The Author of Witches Series Is Asking for More Compensation From CD Projekt

Earlier yesterday, Andrzej Sapkowski, the original author of the Witches series, said in some interviews that he personally regretted the licensing agreement in which he signed away the game development adaptation. It is clear that the Polish writer has taken measures in regards to this and has asked the game company, CD Projekt Red (CDPR), for up to $16.1 million in compensation.

According to the report issued by CDPR, the company received a formal letter from the agent of Andrzej Sapkowski to the company. Sapkowski expects to receive additional royalties in addition to the company’s agreement with him, but such a request has been rejected by CDPR.

CDPR’s view is that the requirements in the notice regarding the receivable income and the amount are not reasonable. The company has legally obtained the authorization of Mr. Andrzej Sapkowski’s work and all debts related to this have been paid off by CDPR.

One of the reasons why Andrzej Sapkowski himself initiated this request is that he believed that his authorization was only for the first game and did not expect there to be subsequent work. However, this has also been denied by the CDPR, indicating that they have fully understood the copyright issues and have complied with the relevant regulations at the beginning. CDPR indicates that the original author’s request is unfounded. The company has legally obtained the copyright of Andrzej Sapkowski’s work, so all liability related to it should be already paid off.

When CDPR and Andrzej Sapkowski signed a licensing agreement, CDPR wanted to give Andrzej Sapkowski a certain percentage of the authorized game revenue, but at the time the writer asked for a one-time payment. After the great success of Witcher 3, it would seem as if Sapkowski regretted the decision at the time.

CDPR also states that they are willing to maintain a good relationship with the author of the novel, after all, the latter has inspired the creation of their works. CDPR states that it would do its utmost to ensure that the dispute is resolved amicably. However, any solution must respect the intentions that the parties have previously expressed and the contracts that have legal effect.